attempt to help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort made to provide assistance or support to someone. Example: "Despite the challenges, I will make an attempt to help you with your project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His attempt to help a troubled veteran ended in tragedy.

The New Yorker

Detour is our attempt to help fix that".

The New York Times - Arts

That attempt to help well-run countries found no takers.

The Economist

In an attempt to help people rebuild, FEMA released new advisory maps in January.

The New York Times

Your attempt to help may not be worth destroying the friendship.

The New York Times

But there are some problems with this desperate attempt to help the long-term unemployed.

The New York Times

Google now says it thinks that its attempt to help bring openness to China has failed.

The New York Times - Tech

I told him it was my attempt to help cool the city down a bit.

The New York Times

Lisbon is a highly flawed attempt to help Europe bridge that gap.

The Economist

More than idly nodding, our friends respond in an attempt to help cease our worry.

Independent

Hyde's book is, at its core, an attempt to help formulate that sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider specifying the method or strategy used in the "attempt to help". This provides additional context and can highlight the proactive nature of the assistance.

Common error

Avoid implying guaranteed success when describing an "attempt to help". Clearly differentiate between the effort made and the actual outcome, which may or may not be fully successful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to help" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempt to help" is a versatile expression used to describe efforts made to provide assistance or support. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business communications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "attempt to help", clarity is key; ensure the intention and recipient of the help are clearly defined. Consider specifying the method or strategy employed in the attempt. Be cautious about overstating the success of the effort, distinguishing between the intent and the actual outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to assist

Replaces "attempt" with "try" and "help" with "assist", offering a slightly more formal tone.

make an effort to aid

Substitutes "attempt" with "make an effort" and "help" with "aid", providing a more emphatic expression of the intention.

seek to support

Replaces "attempt" with "seek" and "help" with "support", focusing on the intention to provide backing or encouragement.

endeavor to assist

Uses "endeavor" instead of "attempt", conveying a more determined or formal effort to assist.

strive to aid

Employs "strive" to indicate a dedicated effort, similar to attempt, but with a sense of ongoing exertion.

aim to support

Replaces "attempt" with "aim", highlighting the goal-oriented aspect of providing help.

undertake to help

Replaces "attempt" with "undertake", suggesting a formal or committed effort to help.

take steps to assist

Focuses on the actions taken to provide assistance, rather than the initial attempt.

move to support

Indicates a shift in action towards providing support.

reach out to aid

Emphasizes the act of connecting with someone to provide assistance.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "attempt to help" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "try to assist", "make an effort to aid", or "seek to support" depending on the context.

How can I use the phrase "attempt to help" in a sentence?

The phrase "attempt to help" is typically used to describe an action taken with the intention of providing assistance. For example, "His attempt to help the troubled veteran ended in tragedy."

Is "attempt to help" formal or informal language?

"Attempt to help" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality is more influenced by the surrounding vocabulary.

What's the difference between "attempt to help" and "try to help"?

While similar, "attempt to help" may imply a more structured or deliberate effort compared to "try to help", which can suggest a more casual or spontaneous action. The best choice depends on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.